Every year throws up its share of potential stars or genre-defining talents, with scenes ebbing and flowing in terms of prominence and game-breaking excitement. Join us as we run through 15 bands and musicians with the sort of spark that might light a fire under 2026, from pop auteurs to rap technicians and ragged rockers.

Photo: Martin Axéll

Tove Styrke has returned with details of her fifth album.

Photo: Rachel Fleminger Hudson

Wolf Alice will headline an Eden Sessions show this summer.

Comedy royalty Mike Epps, Eddie Griffin and Marlon Wayans will head to London for a night of comedy in the spring. 

Photo: Jonathan Weber

The Academy Is... have laid out plans for their first new album in over 18 years.

Photo: Chris Georghiou

Somewhere in the lifetime of a political band, inner turmoil can become a more urgent matter to unpack than the chaos of the outside world. For Kid Kapichi, that moment is now. ‘Fearless Nature’ chronicles a rock-bottom moment for vocalist Jack Wilson after an eight-year relationship ended, his mental health nosedived and his band began to splinter, culminating in the departures of guitarist Ben Beetham and drummer George Macdonald last summer. Unsurprisingly, the political crackle of old has been papered over by deep melancholy. 

Photo: Instagram

Stephen Sanchez has announced the Sing Love Again Tour.

Photo: Amber Asaly 

Megan Moroney has shared a new single, Wish I Didn't.

Charlie Puth has shared a new single called Beat Yourself Up.

Labrinth has shared another single from his upcoming fourth album.

Photo: Lexie Alley

Mitski is set to release her eighth studio album next month.

Photo: Lindsay Hicks

Moby has laid out plans for his 23rd studio album.

Hollywood Vampires will return to the UK and Europe this summer.

Jeff Goldblum has announced a companion album to his 2025 record, 'Still Blooming'.

Photo: Aaron Idelson

Hilary Duff has released another single from her new album.

There are some very highly anticipated new records arriving this week. A$AP Rocky has finally followed up 2018's 'Testing', Madison Beer has released her third LP, and Norwegian artist Sassy 009 has put out her debut album. Head below to find your next favourite album.

Photo: Aliyah Otchere

PinkPantheress has unveiled a video for her remix of Stateside featuring Zara Larsson.

Photo: Aaron Paul Walker 

Leigh-Anne has released a new single.

The Damned have shared another track from their upcoming covers album.

Photo: HYBE

BTS have announced the title of their highly anticipated fifth album.